Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program Eligibility Requirements & Benefits
An OPEN MINDS Market Intelligence Report
In order to help individuals meet daily needs, the federal government provides income assistance through a number of government programs; one of the largest income assistance programs is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides monthly cash benefits to low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. The SSI program is completely administered and funded at the federal level by the Social Security Administration. The program was created in 1974 specifically to eliminate the widely varied state income assistance programs. SSI program eligibility requirements, benefits, and program rules are the same in each state since it is a Federal program. Eligibility for supplemental state programs is determined by the state where the individual resides.
In FY2014, spending for the SSI program totaled $61.3 billion, including $54.2 billion in federal benefit payments, $3.1 billion in federally-administered state supplemental payments, $4 billion in administrative expenses, and $74 million in incentive payment to state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies and Ticket to Work programs. Spending on SSI has increased steadily since 2009, and between 2009 and 2014, spending increased by 15.2%. Federal benefits have also increased steadily, while state spending on supplemental payments has declined by 22.5%.
There are no work requirements to qualify for SSI benefits, and enrollees must earn under a certain monthly amount. Individuals who are eligible for SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid in almost every state. If they are over the age of 65, then they will also be eligible for Medicare.
This report explores the SSI program – including program spending, eligibility requirements, and benefits – and answers the following questions:
- What Is The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program?
- What Does The U.S. Spend On The SSI Program & How Does It Compare To Other Income Assistance Programs?
- What Is The Average SSI Benefit?
- How Is Eligibility For SSI Determined?
- What Are The Characteristics Of SSI Recipients & How Have They Changed Over Time?
- How Does SSI Incentivize Individuals To Work?